Sporting CP 3–1 Galatasaray: Full Match Statistics, xG & Detailed Analysis

Sporting CP came from behind to beat Galatasaray 3–1 on 9 September 2026. Galatasaray took an early lead through a Sporting own goal, but Geny Catamo equalised before half-time. Luis Suárez then converted a second-half penalty before Rodrigo Zalazar produced a superb free-kick to complete the comeback.

The numbers show a fascinating contrast. Galatasaray had 62% possession and 90% passing accuracy, yet Sporting generated the higher xG of 1.55 to 1.02 and scored three goals.

Statistics source: Flashscore.mobi.

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Match Overview

Statistic	Sporting CP	Galatasaray
Final score	3	1
xG	1.55	1.02
Possession	38%	62%
Total shots	8	10
Shots on target	5	3
Big chances	2	3
Corners	1	4
Pass accuracy	81%	90%
Yellow cards	2	3

Overall analysis

Galatasaray controlled the ball for most of the match, but Sporting were more effective in converting possession into meaningful attacking moments.

The biggest evidence is the combination of xG, shots on target and goal conversion. Sporting had only eight shots but produced five on target and 1.55 xG.

Galatasaray had ten shots but only three on target and 1.02 xG.

So while Galatasaray had more possession, more shots and more corners, Sporting had the better shooting accuracy and ultimately the superior scoreline.

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Shooting Statistics

1. Expected Goals (xG)

Team	xG
Sporting CP	1.55
Galatasaray	1.02

Sporting's 1.55 xG was significantly higher than Galatasaray's 1.02.

This is particularly interesting because Galatasaray had 62% possession and attempted two more shots.

Sporting therefore created better-quality chances despite seeing considerably less of the ball.

The commentary supports this. Sporting's attacks produced several dangerous situations, including Suárez's penalty and Zalazar's free-kick goal.

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2. xG on Target (xGOT)

Team	xGOT
Sporting CP	2.10
Galatasaray	0.32

This is one of the most striking statistics of the match.

Sporting recorded 2.10 xGOT, compared with just 0.32 for Galatasaray.

That means Sporting's shots on target were collectively much more dangerous.

The difference also helps explain why Sporting scored three goals despite having only eight attempts.

Galatasaray's three shots on target generated only 0.32 xGOT, indicating that most of their accurate efforts were relatively low-quality.

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3. Total Shots

Team	Shots
Sporting CP	8
Galatasaray	10

Galatasaray attempted 10 shots, two more than Sporting.

At first glance, that appears to favour Galatasaray.

However, the shooting quality tells a different story. Sporting had fewer attempts but generated the higher xG and considerably higher xGOT.

This is a classic example of why shot volume alone does not determine attacking effectiveness.

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4. Shots on Target

Team	Shots on target
Sporting CP	5
Galatasaray	3

Sporting put five of their eight shots on target, an excellent accuracy rate.

Galatasaray managed only three accurate attempts from 10 shots.

The commentary includes saves from both Rui Silva and Uğurcan Çakır, but Sporting's greater accuracy ultimately gave them a significant advantage.

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5. Shots Off Target

Team	Off target
Sporting CP	1
Galatasaray	6

This is another major difference.

Sporting had just one shot off target, while Galatasaray missed the target with six attempts.

Galatasaray's long-range efforts from players such as Sallai and Sane illustrate their difficulty in consistently troubling Sporting's goal.

Sporting, meanwhile, were much more selective with their shooting.

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6. Blocked Shots

Team	Blocked
Sporting CP	2
Galatasaray	1

Sporting had two attempts blocked compared with one for Galatasaray.

The relatively low numbers suggest that neither team was constantly firing shots into a heavily congested defensive block.

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7. Shots Inside the Box

Team	Inside-box shots
Sporting CP	4
Galatasaray	8

Galatasaray had a significant advantage here, recording eight shots inside the box compared with Sporting's four.

This is particularly interesting because Sporting still produced the higher xG.

It suggests that Sporting's four inside-box attempts were highly valuable chances, while some of Galatasaray's eight attempts inside the area were less threatening.

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8. Shots Outside the Box

Team	Outside-box shots
Sporting CP	4
Galatasaray	2

Sporting attempted four shots from outside the box.

Galatasaray had two.

Zalazar's winning free kick was an excellent example of Sporting's ability to threaten from outside the penalty area.

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9. Hit the Woodwork

Team	Woodwork
Sporting CP	0
Galatasaray	0

Neither team hit the post or crossbar.

All three goals therefore came without a shot striking the woodwork.

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Attack Statistics

10. Big Chances

Team	Big chances
Sporting CP	2
Galatasaray	3

Galatasaray created three big chances, one more than Sporting.

Yet Sporting scored three goals compared with Galatasaray's one.

This demonstrates the difference between creating chances and finishing them.

Sporting's two big chances were converted efficiently, while Galatasaray's three did not produce the same return.

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11. Corner Kicks

Team	Corners
Sporting CP	1
Galatasaray	4

Galatasaray won four corners compared with Sporting's one.

This reflects their territorial dominance and 62% possession.

However, their superiority from corners did not result in enough goal threat.

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12. Touches in Opposition Box

Team	Touches
Sporting CP	13
Galatasaray	17

Galatasaray recorded 17 touches inside Sporting's box, four more than Sporting managed at the opposite end.

Again, the statistic supports Galatasaray's territorial advantage.

But Sporting's greater efficiency meant they did more damage despite fewer attacking-box touches.

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13. Accurate Through Passes

Team	Accurate through passes
Sporting CP	2
Galatasaray	1

Sporting completed two accurate through passes compared with one for Galatasaray.

This suggests Sporting occasionally found ways to penetrate behind or between Galatasaray's defensive lines.

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14. Offsides

Team	Offsides
Sporting CP	3
Galatasaray	0

Sporting were caught offside three times, while Galatasaray were never flagged offside.

This suggests Sporting were more aggressive in attempting to attack the space behind Galatasaray's defence.

The commentary also records Sporting having a goal disallowed for offside in the first half, showing how their willingness to attack beyond the defensive line created both opportunities and risks.

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15. Free Kicks

Team	Free kicks
Sporting CP	11
Galatasaray	13

Galatasaray received 13 free kicks, two more than Sporting.

The match involved numerous challenges, particularly around midfield.

However, Sporting ultimately made the more decisive use of a set piece when Rodrigo Zalazar scored directly from a free kick in the 63rd minute.

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Passing Statistics

16. Pass Accuracy

Team	Pass accuracy
Sporting CP	81% (300/369)
Galatasaray	90% (521/581)

This was one of Galatasaray's clearest statistical victories.

They completed 521 of 581 passes, achieving an impressive 90% accuracy.

Sporting completed 300 of 369 at 81%.

Galatasaray's superior passing accuracy helped them maintain their 62% possession.

However, the important point is that their excellent passing statistics did not translate into enough high-quality shooting opportunities.

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17. Long Pass Accuracy

Team	Long passes
Sporting CP	50% (21/42)
Galatasaray	53% (25/47)

Galatasaray were slightly more accurate with their long passing.

They completed 25 of 47 long passes compared with Sporting's 21 of 42.

The difference was relatively small.

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18. Final-Third Passing

Team	Final-third accuracy
Sporting CP	69% (46/67)
Galatasaray	77% (102/133)

Galatasaray again held the advantage.

They completed 102 of 133 passes in the final third at 77% accuracy.

Sporting completed 46 of 67 at 69%.

This demonstrates Galatasaray's ability to circulate the ball effectively in attacking areas.

However, the lower attacking output suggests Sporting were more efficient at defending the most dangerous areas around their box.

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19. Crosses

Team	Cross accuracy
Sporting CP	33% (1/3)
Galatasaray	14% (3/22)

Sporting completed one of three crosses, giving them a 33% accuracy rate.

Galatasaray completed three of 22, only 14%.

Galatasaray attempted far more crosses but struggled to deliver them accurately.

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20. Expected Assists (xA)

Team	xA
Sporting CP	0.62
Galatasaray	0.95

Galatasaray's xA of 0.95 was higher than Sporting's 0.62.

This suggests Galatasaray's passing created a greater expected assist value overall.

However, that creative advantage did not produce more goals.

It is another example of how individual statistical categories can favour one team while the final result favours the other.

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21. Throw-ins

Team	Throw-ins
Sporting CP	17
Galatasaray	16

Sporting had 17 throw-ins compared with Galatasaray's 16.

The almost identical figures indicate no meaningful difference between the teams in this area.

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Defensive Statistics

22. Fouls

Team	Fouls
Sporting CP	13
Galatasaray	11

Sporting committed 13 fouls compared with Galatasaray's 11.

The two teams were therefore relatively close in terms of physical challenges.

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23. Tackles

Team	Successful tackles
Sporting CP	54% (7/13)
Galatasaray	58% (7/12)

Both teams successfully completed seven tackles.

However, Galatasaray had the slightly better success rate because they attempted fewer tackles.

Sporting completed seven of 13, while Galatasaray completed seven of 12.

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24. Duels Won

Team	Duels won
Sporting CP	41
Galatasaray	36

Sporting won 41 duels, five more than Galatasaray.

This indicates Sporting were stronger in individual physical contests despite having considerably less possession.

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25. Clearances

Team	Clearances
Sporting CP	25
Galatasaray	8

This is a huge difference.

Sporting made 25 clearances, more than three times Galatasaray's eight.

The figure is consistent with the match pattern: Galatasaray controlled possession and spent more time attacking, forcing Sporting to defend and clear danger.

Yet Sporting's defensive resilience prevented that territorial dominance from becoming more goals.

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26. Interceptions

Team	Interceptions
Sporting CP	12
Galatasaray	10

Sporting made 12 interceptions compared with Galatasaray's 10.

Their ability to read and interrupt passes helped them survive Galatasaray's prolonged possession spells.

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27. Errors Leading to a Shot

Team	Errors
Sporting CP	1
Galatasaray	1

Both teams committed one error that led to a shot.

Neither side therefore had a clear statistical advantage in this category.

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28. Errors Leading to a Goal

Team	Errors
Sporting CP	0
Galatasaray	0

Neither team recorded an error directly leading to a goal.

Sporting's goals came through an own goal, a penalty and a direct free kick rather than an error classified in this category.

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Goalkeeping Statistics

29. Goalkeeper Saves

Team	Saves
Sporting CP	3
Galatasaray	2

Rui Silva made three saves for Sporting, while Uğurcan Çakır made two for Galatasaray.

Silva was tested early, including by Torreira and Sallai, and made important interventions to keep Sporting in the match.

Çakır also made saves, including against Suárez before half-time.

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30. xGOT Faced

Team	xGOT faced
Sporting CP	0.32
Galatasaray	2.10

This statistic is extremely revealing.

Rui Silva faced only 0.32 xGOT, while Çakır faced 2.10 xGOT.

In other words, Sporting's goalkeeper generally faced much less dangerous shots on target.

Galatasaray's goalkeeper faced considerably greater shot quality, which helps explain why Sporting scored three times.

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31. Goals Prevented

Team	Goals prevented
Sporting CP	+0.32
Galatasaray	-0.90

Sporting's goalkeeper recorded +0.32 goals prevented, while Galatasaray's figure was -0.90.

The positive Sporting number suggests Rui Silva performed slightly better than the expected outcome from the shots he faced.

The negative Galatasaray figure reflects the fact that Sporting scored three times from shots carrying 2.10 xGOT.

However, this statistic should be interpreted alongside the quality and circumstances of the shots rather than as a simple goalkeeper rating.

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32. Goal Kicks

Team	Goal kicks
Sporting CP	4
Galatasaray	2

Sporting had four goal kicks compared with Galatasaray's two.

The relatively low totals indicate that many attacking sequences ended through other defensive actions rather than shots directly missing the goal.

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How the Match Was Won

The statistical story is essentially:

Galatasaray controlled the match. Sporting controlled the decisive moments.

Galatasaray had:

• 62% possession
• 90% pass accuracy
• 10 shots
• 8 shots inside the box
• 4 corners
• 17 touches in Sporting's box
• 0.95 xA

Yet Sporting finished with:

• 3 goals
• 1.55 xG
• 2.10 xGOT
• 5 shots on target
• 2 big chances
• 38% possession
• 41 duels won
• 25 clearances

The biggest difference was efficiency.

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Key Match Turning Points

5' — Sporting fall behind

An unfortunate communication problem between Gonçalo Inácio and goalkeeper Rui Silva resulted in an own goal, giving Galatasaray an early advantage.

27' — Catamo equalises

Sporting responded when Geny Catamo reacted quickest to a rebound inside the box and finished to make it 1–1.

57' — Suárez penalty

VAR eventually confirmed a penalty after a foul involving Ismail Jakobs.

Luis Suárez stepped up and converted into the bottom-left corner to give Sporting a 2–1 lead.

63' — Zalazar's stunning free kick

Sporting then extended their advantage when Rodrigo Zalazar curled a superb free kick into the top-left corner.

That goal was especially important because it demonstrated Sporting's ability to punish Galatasaray from a dead-ball situation.

Final stages

Galatasaray continued to dominate possession and attempted to find a way back into the game, but Sporting defended their advantage.

Sporting made several late substitutions, while Galatasaray also introduced fresh attacking players including Rafael Leão and İlkay Gündoğan.

The final whistle confirmed a 3–1 Sporting CP victory.

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Final Statistical Verdict

The 3–1 scoreline may look straightforward, but the underlying statistics show a much more nuanced match.

Galatasaray were the superior possession and passing team. They completed 521 passes at 90% accuracy and controlled 62% of the ball.

However, Sporting were much more effective when attacking.

Their 1.55 xG compared with 1.02, while their 2.10 xGOT compared with Galatasaray's 0.32 shows that their shots on target were considerably more threatening.

The biggest contrast was efficiency:

Galatasaray: 10 shots → 3 on target → 1 goal
Sporting CP: 8 shots → 5 on target → 3 goals

Sporting also defended under sustained pressure, making 25 clearances and winning 41 duels.

Therefore, the statistics suggest that Galatasaray controlled the ball, but Sporting CP controlled the decisive moments.

Final score

Sporting CP 3–1 Galatasaray

Half-time: 1–1
Sporting goals: Catamo, Suárez (penalty), Zalazar
Galatasaray: own goal by Inácio 

Sources credit: Flashscore.mobi